DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a management system 10, referred to hereinafter as a Field Management Solutions system (an FMS system), interconnected with a process 12, a distributed control system 14 (DCS) which controls the process 12, and a further management system such as another FMS system 15. The process 12 may comprise any desired type of process, such as a manufacturing process or a refinery process, etc., and is illustrated as including four smart field devices, including three HART devices 16, 18 and 20 and one Fieldbus device 22, and a conventional (i.e., non-smart) device 24. The devices 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are controlled in any desired manner by the DCS 14.

Generally, the FMS system 10 is a PC-based software tool that includes applications which perform field-device management tasks. The FMS system 10 integrates device management for each of the devices within the process 12 by helping users to, for example, configure, calibrate, monitor and troubleshoot any and all of the smart field devices associated with the process 12.

The FMS system 10, which may comprise any type of computer- or microprocessor-based system, may include a display 30, a printer 31., a keyboard 32 and a mouse 34 connected to an operating system and CPU 36. A memory 38 having an FMS database 40 is coupled to the operating system and CPU 36. The memory 38, including the FMS database 40, stores software and data used by the FMS system 10 in performing tasks related to displaying information to a user via the display 30 or the printer 31 and communicating with the smart devices 16, 18, 20 and 22. In addition, the FMS database 40 stores device-related information which is not available from the smart devices, for example, information pertaining to past configurations of the devices, information pertaining to off-line devices, such as off-line smart devices and conventional devices, and information pertaining to service notes including when the next service is needed; who performed service procedures; any favored replacement devices, etc. Data pertaining to off-line smart devices may be stored within the database 40 in a format identical to the format in which that data is actually stored within the off-line devices so that, to the FMS system 10, off-line devices appear to be available through the database 40 in the same way they would be available if those devices were on-line.

The smart devices 16 and 18 are on-line devices which are connected to the FMS system via a communication line 42 and a modem 44. The smart device 22 is an on-line device which is connected to the FMS system via a Fieldbus interface 45. The smart device 20 is an off-line device which is not permanently connected to the FMS system 10. However, the smart device 20 may communicate with the FMS system 10 via a hand-held communicator and/or secondary (laptop) FMS 46 which may be periodically connected to the device 20 and/or any of the other smart devices to read data from, and write data to, the device 20 and/or the other smart devices. Thereafter, the hand-held communicator and/or secondary FMS 46 may be connected to the FMS system 10 to upload data pertaining to the smart device 20 and/or any other smart devices to which it was attached and store such data in the FMS database 40.

If desired, the operating system and CPU 36 of the FMS system can be connected through, for example, an ethernet communication link 48 and/or other network link to the DCS 14 and other FMS systems, for example, the other FMS system 15.

FIG. 2 illustrates the interconnections between various component parts of the FMS system 10, including hardware and software components, and will be used to describe how the various software components stored in the memory 38 of the FMS system 10 interact with each other, with the display 30, the printer 31, the keyboard 32, the mouse 34, the FMS database 40 and the smart devices within the process 12. It is understood that the software components of the FMS system 10 are stored in the memory 38 and are run on the operating system and CPU 36.

The FMS system 10 preferably operates in a Microsoft Windows environment (such as a Windows 95™ environment) and, therefore, includes a standard Windows operating system 49, which is used to display data and information on the display 30 and the printer 31 and to retrieve data and information from the keyboard 32 and the mouse 34. Thus, information provided to, or retrieved from, the Windows operating system 49 is preferably provided in a standard Windows call format of any desired type, as is known to those skilled in the art. However, the FMS system 10 could be implemented according to the present invention using any other desired Windows-based or non-Windows-based interface format (whether or not a graphical user interface) including, for example, MacIntosh, Xwindows or IBM DOS formats.

The FMS system 10 includes a set of FMS applications 50 comprising core applications 52 and add-on applications 54. The core applications 52 are essentially programs written by the FMS system provider to perform predetermined and frequently used operations. The add-on applications are applications which are developed by a user or a third-party developer and imported to the FMS system 10 to perform customized functions.

As used hereinafter, an application refers to any software routine implemented by the FMS system 10 which displays to a user information pertaining to or about the process 12 or one or more devices, blocks, parameters, or other information associated with the devices connected to, or associated with, the FMS system 10, and/or which allows a user to reconfigure one or more of the devices associated with or connected to the FMS system 10. The information used by an application typically is either stored in, or developed by, the smart devices within the process 12, or is stored in the FMS database 40.

Thus, for example, the FMS system 10 may include core or other applications which allow a user to interact with the data within the FMS database 40 and/or the smart devices within the process 12 to view the present state of one or more of the devices within the process 12, to change the configuration of one or more of the smart devices within the process 12, to view multiple devices in a simultaneous or sequential manner, to perform common smart device control and configuration functions, to run browsers that locate devices on the network, to monitor the status of devices and generate alarm lists, and to implement device calibration and testing routines.

Other typical core applications may include configuration applications, configuration-management applications, alarm scanning applications, history event-log applications, reporting applications, trend-analysis applications and diagnostic applications. A configuration application displays the values of the variables associated with one or more parameters of a device within a process and allows a user to change appropriate ones of those parameter values. A configuration management application allows a user to manage the configuration of the device as a whole, for example, resetting a device, initializing a device, and calibrating a device. An alarm scanning application checks all of the devices being serviced by the FMS system 10 to determine if those devices are operating correctly or if an error has occurred within any of the devices. A history event-log application provides an event log having, for example, user log-in information, time-stamped messages which indicate changes that have been made to the configurations of the devices being serviced by the FMS system 10, alarms associated with the devices being serviced the FMS system 10 and other events. A reporting application automatically generates a report showing, for example, all past, present or desired future configurations of one or more devices. A trend-analysis or "trending" application records data measured by devices within the process 12 to identify trends which may be occurring within particular devices or across a process as a whole. As is evident, any other desired applications can be created and provided to the FMS system 10.

During operation of the FMS system 10, a user selects one or more of the applications for execution. The selected application is identified in FIG. 2 as the current application 56. Because multiple applications may be executed simultaneously by the FMS system 10, there may be multiple current applications 56. Any current application 56 may interface directly with the Windows operating system 49, an interface block 58, a digital control interface (DCI) 60 and an FMS database interface 62. If desired, the current application 56 can also interface with an Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC) block 64 (a well-known Microsoft database application interface (API) system that enables communication with nearly all databases) and a server network 65. For many applications, however, such connections are not necessary or desirable. Furthermore, any current application 56 may indirectly interface with the Windows operating system 49, the smart devices within the process 12, and the database 40 via the interface block 58.

The interface block 58 is essentially a software package having for example, specifically configured Windows custom controls, OCX controls or VBX controls, which automatically perform functions relating to the communication of particular, frequently used information between a current application 56, the smart devices within the process 12, the database 40, and a user interface 65 comprising the Windows operating system 49, the display 30, the printer 31, the keyboard 32, and the mouse 34. The interface block 58 can be used by a current application 56 to perform these interfacing functions without the application designer knowing the specifics of the protocols involved therewith. As a result, the interface block 58 enables an application to be designed more easily and provides a consistent user interface.

Preferably, current applications 56 and the interface block 58 interface and communicate with the smart devices within the process 12, other FMS systems or digital control systems and/or the database 40 through the DCI 60 and a server network 66 comprising servers 68 and 70. While typically the server network 66 will be located in, and associated with, the FMS system 10, the dotted line between the DCI 60 and the servers 68 and 70 in FIG. 2 indicates that the DCI 60 can also access server networks of other FMS systems through, for example, the ethernet connection illustrated in FIG. 1.

Essentially, the DCI 60 is a convenience layer which comprises a library of routines which perform functions necessary for communicating with, and retrieving data from, and other functions pertaining to the database 40, the smart devices associated with the process 12 and/or other FMS systems. In operation, the DCI 60 converts commands and messages sent from the current application 56 and the interface block 58 into a format recognized and used by server network 66 and, likewise, converts data provided by the server network 66 into a form recognized and used by the current application 56 and the interface block 58.

While the DCI 60 can use any desired protocol to perform these communication functions, the DCI 60 preferably uses an object-oriented protocol and, most preferably, uses an object linking and embedding protocol such as the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) protocol developed and documented by MicroSoft, Inc. The MicroSoft OLE (2.0) protocol is used in the MicroSoft Windows 95™ operating system and is well-known in the art.

Generally, an object-oriented protocol is a programming paradigm which models the world as a collection of self-contained objects that interact by sending messages. Objects include data (a state) and methods (algorithms) that can be performed on the data. In addition, objects are related to one another through an interface connection and may communicate with other objects in the hierarchy through messages. When an object receives a message, it responds by using its own methods which are responsible for processing the data in that object and sending messages to other objects to perform specific tasks and possibly return appropriate results.

Because the DCI 60 communicates with the server network 66 through an OLE hierarchy, the DCI uses standard OLE procedures or calls relating to reading and writing values of OLE objects, enumerating a set of enumerated values in an OLE object, getting and setting properties in OLE objects, calling and implementing methods of OLE objects and retrieving property data stored in the OLE collection objects in conjunction with OLE Item methods (a particular type of OLE method). However, other OLE procedures can be implemented by the DCI 60 on OLE objects to communicate with the server network 66.

As described in more detail below, the particular OLE hierarchy which is preferably used by the FMS system 10 is an OLE object hierarchy which has been developed to categorize all of the different types of information and the interrelationships between the different types of information available for, or used by, each of the different DDL's associated with each of the DD's which, in turn, are associated with the devices within the process 12 being serviced by the FMS system 10. This determined hierarchy defines a set of OLE objects, each of which stores a particular set of properties as defined by the hierarchy and a particular set of methods which can be used to manipulate the property data and to communicate with other OLE objects according to the relationships defined by the hierarchy. This hierarchy will be discussed in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4.

Essentially, the DCI 60 communicates with the server network 66 as if all the OLE objects identified for the determined hierarchy exist within the memory of the server network 66. The DCI 60 implements a simple set of calls necessary for communicating with the OLE objects in the OLE protocol. In reality, however, the data and methods of each OLE object are not actually stored or placed in the memory of the server network 66 until a call, such as a read or write call, is sent to the server network 66 for such OLE object by, for example, the DCI 60, the DDS 72, the smart device communication network 74, or the FMS database interface 80. At that time, the server network 66 recognizes that the data and methods pertaining to the OLE object must be retrieved and stored in memory associated with one of the servers 68 or 70 and automatically performs the functions necessary to retrieve the data and methods of that OLE object.

When the server network 66 receives a call relating to the reading or writing of data or methods within one of the OLE objects stored in its memory, the server network 66 returns the requested information or performs the requested function to the OLE object data according to its stored routines so as to read data from, and write data to, the OLE object, the DDS 72, the smart devices within the process 12 and the FMS database 40.

Likewise, the DCI 60 recognizes or receives changes in OLE objects stored within the memory associated with the server network 66 and performs functions based thereon to implement communication with the current application 56 and the interface block 58. The device server 68 is essentially a set of software routines which have a specified correspondence with the set of OLE objects in the determined OLE hierarchy. These routines are specifically developed to communicate with a DDS 72, a smart device communication interface 74, and the OLE objects of the defined hierarchy. Such routines may, for example, transmit, retrieve, and change particular types of data and information stored within, or available from, the smart devices within the process 12 and/or from DD's (which are files) associated with the smart devices within the process 12. Likewise, the database server 70 is essentially a set of software routines associated with the OLE objects in the determined OLE hierarchy. These routines communicate with the DDS or API 72 and/or an FMS database interface 80 to, for example, transmit, retrieve, or change particular types of data and information stored within, or available from, the FMS database 40 and/or from the DD's which are associated with the smart devices for which data is stored in the FMS database 40. As indicated in FIG. 2, the DD's used by the DDS 72 are stored in a device description library 76 coupled to the DDS library 72.

The routines of the servers 68 and 70 are associated with each of the OLE objects in such a way that the routines which perform the particular read functions required for retrieving the data of an OLE object from the DDS 72, from smart devices, or from the database 40 are automatically implemented by a request for such data from the DCI 60. Likewise, the routines of the servers 68 and 70 are associated with each of the OLE objects in such a way that the routines which perform the particular writing functions required for changing the configuration of smart devices or storing information in the database 40 are automatically implemented by a request made by the DCI 60 to write such data in the OLE object.

For example, a request made by the DCI 60 to write the value property within an OLE object representing data within or associated with a smart device, will cause the server 68 to implement the routine which writes new property values to the smart device. Likewise, a request to read from any OLE object property values stored in, or associated with, a smart device will automatically call the server routine which retrieves the property values associated with that OLE object from the DDS and/or the smart device and store such property values in the memory (not shown) associated with the server 68 as the OLE object. Similarly, a request made by, for example, the DCI 60, to write the property values within an OLE object associated with data stored in the database 40 will automatically implement the server 70 routine which writes new property values to the locations within the database 40 with which that OLE object is associated. Likewise, a request to read property values from an OLE object will cause the server 70 to retrieve the data associated with that OLE object from the DDS and/or the location in the database 40 associated with those property values and store such property values in the memory (not shown) of the server 70 as the OLE object.

These server routines are simple, straightforward, and easy to write by those skilled in the art and are not, therefore, provided herein. However, those familiar with OLE and DDL's can create such routines in a straightforward manner using any desired programming language. If desired, the routines may be written or optimized in any desired way to perform in as high-speed a manner as possible to thereby increase the operating speed of the current application within the FMS system 10.

Generally, to retrieve specific data from, or pertaining to, one of the on-line devices of the process 12, the server 68 asks the DDS 72 for the specific data. If that data is stored in the DD for a smart device, the DDS 72 then consults the DD for the referenced device or the DD associated with a block of the referenced device and returns the requested data to the server 68.

If the specific data was available from the DD, the server 68 stores and maintains that data in the OLE object to which the retrieved data is related. If however, the requested specific data is not available from the DD for a device or a block of a device but is stored, instead, in the on-line device, the server 68 sends a command to the smart device communication interface 74 (which may comprise any known smart device communication interface including, for example, a Fieldbus device interface developed by SoftIng, a German company located in Karlsruhe, or the HART device interface of Micromotion, located in Boulder, Colo.) to retrieve the specific data from the on-line device.

The smart device communication interface 74 then sends a request to the DDS 72 for information on how to retrieve the specific data requested by the server 68 from the on-line device. The DDS 72 retrieves this instruction information from the DD for the on-line device and returns the instruction information to the smart device communication interface 74 which, in turn, sends a proper request to the on-line smart device. The smart device then responds with a data stream including the specific data. The smart device communication interface 74 then sends a request to the DDS 72 for information on how to interpret the data stream received from the on-line smart device. The DDS 72 then retrieves interpretation instructions from the DD for the on-line smart device and returns them to the smart device communication interface 74 which, in turn, interprets the data stream from the on-line device in accordance with the interpretation instructions in order to extract the specific data requested by the server 68. The smart device communication interface then returns the specific data to the server 68 which provides the retrieved data to the OLE object with which that data is associated.

The process of writing data to an on-line device is similar to the process of reading data from that device except that the server 68 first sends a request to the DDS 72 for write information, e.g., whether the data is writable, what type, specific values and range of data can be written, etc. If the data is writable, the server 68 sends a write command to the smart device communication interface 74 which, in turn, interfaces with the DDS 72 for write protocols for the on-line device and sends the proper write command to the on-line device in response to the information. The smart device communication interface 74 can also interpret other data from the on-line devices, such as write verifications, response codes, data or value changes which occur in the device, etc. and sends such data to the server 68 for storage in the proper OLE object.

In some instances, the DDS 72 will inform the server 68 that it needs more information to answer a request for data. For example, the DDS 72 may determine that the handling property of a parameter (i.e., whether the parameter is readable and/or writable) is dependent on the mode parameter of a particular device. The DDS 72 sends a request to the server 68 for the mode parameter of the device. In response thereto, the server 68 sends a request for the mode parameter of a device to the smart device communication interface 74 which operates as described above to retrieve the mode parameter of the device. When the server 68 receives the mode parameter of the device from the smart device communication interface 74, it sends this information to the DDS 72 which, thereafter, determines the handling property of a parameter of a device and returns such property to the server 68 which, in turn, places that value in the proper OLE parameter object.

Communication between the server 70, the DDS 72 and the FMS database interface 80 is similar to that described above, except that the FMS database interface 80 is programmed to read and write information to and from the FMS database 40 instead of a smart device. Generally, however, the FMS database interface 80 mimics the functions of the smart device communication interface 74 as they relate to communications between the DDS 72 and the server 70.

It is possible to have the FMS database interface 80 store information pertaining to, for example, values associated with off-line devices and data pertaining to changes made to on-line and off-line devices in the database 40 in a DDL format, i.e., in a format that mimics how such data is stored in on-line devices. In such a situation, the FMS database interface 80 may need to access the DDS 72 to determine how the data is stored in the FMS database 40. For example, in some instances, the database 40 stores parameter values, such as past parameter values in order to, for example, mimic the state of a device. Consequently, the FMS database interface 80 may have to access the DDS 72 to retrieve this information to know what type of data is stored in the database, i.e., integer, enumerated, etc. However, information stored in the database 40 need not be stored in a DDL format. Therefore, to service a command from the server 70 to read data from, or write data to, the database 40, the FMS database interface 80 may not need to access the DDS 72 for device values. Instead, the FMS database interface 80 may write data to, and read data from, the database 40 directly.

The FMS database interface 80 is preferably an application program interface (API) of any conventional type which is specifically set up and configured for retrieving information from the database 40 according to any desired or known method. Thus, the FMS database interface 80 automatically keeps track of where and how data is stored in, and retrieved from the database 40.

As indicated above, the current application 56 and, if desired, the interface block 58 can also interface with the database 40 through the FMS database interface 62 and the ODBC block 64. The FMS database interface 62 may comprise any desired or known applications program interface (API) having a library of routines developed to convert data and requests from a format recognizable or used by the current application 56 into a form recognizable and usable by the ODBC block 64 and vice-versa. Using the FMS database interface 62 (API) to write to the database 40, as opposed to using the ODBC block 64 directly, helps maintain database integrity and consistency and makes applications easier to write because the application is then shielded from database management. Typically, the FMS database interface 62 and the ODBC block 64 (or any other open database accessing system) will be used when an application needs to store data in the database 40 in a format that is inaccessible or incompatible with the OLE object hierarchy communication scheme discussed herein.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a particular hierarchy of OLE objects which has been developed to represent all of the information defined within or available from one or more DDL's, a set of smart devices which follow the protocols of those DDL's and a database which stores information related to devices using those DDL's. The hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 also represents the relationships between those OLE objects. This hierarchy can be used within an OLE environment to enable an application to retrieve information associated with a DDL, smart devices which use that DDL, and a database which stores information pertaining to smart devices which use that DDL. Thus, the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 represents not only an arrangement of DDL information (i.e., information available from DD's of DDL's and/or information available from a device or a database associated with devices using one or more DDL's), but also a way of defining an interface between the DCI 60 and the servers 68 and 70 of FIG. 2 in order to access, retrieve, and change this information.

Each of the OLE objects in the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 is preferably an OLE automation object and is represented as an oval having the type of OLE object identified therein. Each of the OLE objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes, or is associated with, a subset of the information defined within or used by one or more DDL's and available from DD's, smart devices and databases which store information pertaining to smart devices.

Generally, each of the OLE automation objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes properties (or attributes), methods and interfaces. Because the OLE objects within FIGS. 3 and 4 are automation objects, they have an IDispatch interface (a well-known interface of the OLE protocol) associated therewith. The IDispatch of the OLE automation objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used by, for example, the DCI 60 and the server network 66 to retrieve information pertaining to the properties and the methods of that OLE object and to communicate with other OLE objects.

The properties of an OLE object comprise data pertaining to the objects. Each property also has functions which can be used, for example, to get the property value and to set the property value of the OLE object. Example OLE object properties include the name of the object, a count of the number of items within or associated with the object, a label associated with the object, and help associated with the object.

OLE object methods perform actions on OLE objects, or on the data in OLE objects, implement particular routines using the data in OLE objects, and communicate with other OLE objects. For example, a method may enumerate a set of values in other OLE objects. Together, the properties and the methods of an OLE automation object define the programmable interface of that OLE object accessible by the server network 66 and the DCI 60.

The hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 comprises an upper hierarchy, illustrated in FIG. 3, and a lower hierarchy, illustrated in FIG. 4. The upper hierarchy of FIG. 3 corresponds to and illustrates the physical or defined connectivity of devices such as HART, Fieldbus, and other smart or conventional devices, and blocks, such as Fieldbus blocks, connected within a process. The lower hierarchy of FIG. 4 illustrates relationships among the data which is available from, or referenced by, DDL's such as the HART and Fieldbus DDL's, and the data which is stored in and/or available from DD's, smart devices and/or a database pertaining to smart or other devices.

In order to facilitate a complete understanding of the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4, a table (entitled "OLE Object DDL Equivalents") is provided at the end of the present specification. The OLE Object DDL Equivalents table identifies, for each of the OLE objects illustrated in the lower hierarchy of FIG. 4, the functionally equivalent data, definitions and/or constructs of the Fieldbus DDL that correspond to the OLE object. It should be recognized, however, that the OLE objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 similarly have functionally equivalent types of data, definitions, and constructs available in other DDL's, such as the HART DDL, and that the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 therefore can be applied to any DDL. Another table (entitled "OLE Object Definitions"), also appearing at the end of the present specification, provides a list of some important properties and methods associated with each of the OLE objects illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, and provides a short description of those properties and methods.

Once again, the properties of the OLE objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 represent, and correspond to, similar types of data available from, or defined by, DDL's (for example, the HART and Fieldbus DDL's) because, as noted above, the OLE objects of FIGS. 3 and 4 have been developed to map onto and represent the data available from or defined by these DDL's. Thus, for example, the Block object of FIG. 3 represents and corresponds to the block entity recognized and used by the Fieldbus DDL, while the Device object of FIG. 3 and the Parameter object of FIG. 4A represent and correspond to the device and parameter entities, respectively, recognized and used by both the HART and Fieldbus DDL's. The methods identified in the OLE Object Definitions table are standard OLE methods.

Each OLE object within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be accessed or defined by traversing a path through the hierarchy to that OLE object. Beginning at the top of FIG. 3, every path through the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a Root object. Root objects define, among other things, the ViewTime to which the data within any of the OLE objects below the Root object pertains. More specifically, the Root object is associated with a ViewTime, which may be "past," "present," or "future" and, in some instances, which specifies a particular time. If the ViewTime is present, the time is the actual time. If the ViewTime is past, the time may be set to any historical time but, preferably, is set to a time at which a change was made to one or more parameter values. Preferably these changes are stored in the database 40 in, for example, an event log. If the ViewTime is future, the time may be set to any future time or may be set to indicate only that it refers generally to the future.

The Item method of the Root object includes a set of collections, as identified in the OLE Object Definitions table, which defines the next layer in the hierarchy of FIG. 3. Generally, the collections of the Item method of an OLE object define interconnections between that OLE object and the OLE objects below that OLE object within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4. Each collection of an Item method of an OLE object is illustrated in the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 by the quoted name of that collection below the OLE object which includes that collection. The generic name of the members within a collection are identified in the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 by unquoted and underlined expressions located beneath the OLE object associated with the collection type and above the OLE object which has information pertaining to this expression as one of the properties thereof.

Thus, for example, the Root object has a collection of BlockTag objects (identified as the "BlockTag" collection), each of which has a particular name illustrated generally in FIG. 3 as Block Tag. Generally, a block tag is a unique identifier assigned to a particular block within the FMS system by a technician installing/configuring the FMS system in order to identify a particular block. A BlockTag object having a name of Block Tag, therefore, uniquely defines a Block object, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As is evident, the actual number of BlockTag objects within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 is dependent on the number of blocks (as that name is used in the Fieldbus DDL protocol) connected to or associated with the FMS system 10.

The PhysicalTag, DeviceID, and DeviceTag objects relate to or are associated with the "PhysicalTag," "DeviceID," and "DeviceTag" collections of the Root object, respectively, and are used to uniquely define a particular device connected to or associated with the FMS system 10. A device ID typically includes a triplet of information comprising the name of the device manufacturer, the model number of the device, and the serial number of the device. Device tags and physical tags usually refer to a location of the device in a plant or a process such as the process 12. The value of a physical tag and/or a device tag can be, for example, an alphanumeric code associated with a specific physical location in the plant or any other description of a physical location. For HART devices, the physical tag is considered the same as the device tag whereas, for Fieldbus devices, the physical tag can have a different value than the device tag. The OLE objects in FIGS. 3 and 4 immediately below a quoted collection name, such as the PhysicalTag object, the DeviceTag object, and the DeviceID object, are also referred to as collections because they are related to constructs which a DDL considers or defines as collections.

In lieu of, or in addition to having a device tag, a physical tag and/or a device ID, a device can be identified by its physical communication connection to an FMS system. Specifically, each device is connected to an FMS network (illustrated in FIG. 3 by the Network object which is a "Net" collection of the Root object) through one of a number of networks, each of which is identified generically by the expression TCP/IP Node Name.

Each network includes a series of nodes, identified in FIG. 3 by the NetNode object. A network node includes a set of ports (illustrated by the Port object) which may have names of, for example, "Com1" or "Com2". The port may connect to a device through a modem (identified by the Modem object) and at one of sixteen station addresses, each of which is identified by a different Station Address.

The port of a network node may also connect to a device through one or more HART interface units (HIU's) (identified by an HIU object) having a Station Address. Each HIU includes one or more interchanges (identified by the Interchange object) each of which typically includes 8 lines identified by Line Number. Interchange objects also include a method (which, contrary to the above-stated general rule about quoted names, is identified by the label "Block") which returns an interface to the particular Block object that describes the HIU.

A network node can also be coupled to a device through one or more different DCS's, for example, the RS3, Provox, or other DCS's. Although FIG. 3 illustrates each of these as connected through a generic DCS object, the actual connection to an RS3 DCS, for example, would be made and could be identified in FIG. 3 by a node number, a card number, a port (typically one of four ports in a card) and a line (typically four lines per port). However, because the configurations of these DCS systems are not yet fully developed, the actual connections with each are not shown and the DCS object is not mentioned in the OLE Object Definitions table.

Furthermore, a network node may be coupled to one or more Fieldbus interface cards. However, because the Fieldbus devices are not yet being sold, the exact connection to a device is not yet known and, therefore, this connection is not represented in the hierarchy of FIG. 3. However, such a Fieldbus connection could easily be added by showing a Fieldbus object and any other OLE objects related to the components required for a Fieldbus connection from between a network node and a device between the NetNode object and the Device object.

Once a device is identified in any manner specified above, a block within the device can be uniquely determined by the "Tag" collection, illustrated as the Tag object, having the HART Tag name. If the device is a HART device, the contents of which are represented by only one conceptual block, the block is already uniquely identified and can simply be specified by the "HART" collection. The names of the tags related to the Tag object are specified as HART Tag in FIG. 3 because the HART tag of HART devices is used as this identifier. However, other tags for other types of devices could be used instead.

As suggested above, a Block object and, correspondingly, a block of a process, can be uniquely identified by traversing any of the above defined paths through the upper hierarchy of FIG. 3. Likewise, every other OLE object within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be identified by a unique moniker derived by traversing a path from the Root object at the top of the hierarchy of FIG. 3 through to the particular OLE object. Thereafter, the properties and methods of any of the OLE objects within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be referenced and obtained using the moniker developed for that OLE object.

More particularly, a moniker can be determined from the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 by compiling a string comprising the quoted and the unquoted/underlined expressions encountered in traversing a path from the Root object in FIG. 3 to the OLE object of interest, and separating these expressions with an exclamation point ("|"). For example, the moniker for a Block object can be any of the following:

Root|BlockTag|Block Tag|

Root|PhysicalTag|HART Tag|Tag|HART Tag

Root|DeviceID|Unique Identifier|HART

Root|Net|TCP/IP Node Name|Port

Name|Modem|Station Address|Tag|HART Tag

As will be evident, monikers for other OLE objects illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be developed using this format. The "NamedConfig" collection of the Root object of FIG. 3 (represented by the NamedConfigs object) relates to objects which are stored in the FMS database 40 and which are not available from a device. Each NamedConfigs object is identified by a ConfigName to specify a particular NamedConfig object. A NamedConfig object may include, for example, a "recipe" or particular configuration of a block necessary for implementing a particular function within a process, a past configuration of a block within a process, or for that matter, any other desired user information related to Block objects. However, to the server network 66 of FIG. 2, each NamedConfig object looks similar to a Block object except that the parameter value data of a NamedConfig object is retrieved from the FMS database 40 as opposed to being retrieved from a device. NamedConfig objects may have a subset of the information typically associated with a Block object.

The lower hierarchy of FIG. 4 illustrates an inter-relationship among the data associated with each block of a system. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each Block object (and each NamedConfig object) includes a set of collections denominated "Param," "Unit," "Database," "Refresh," "ItemArray," "Collection," "Menu," "Method," "EditDisplay," and "WAO," each having an associated (although slightly differently named) OLE object. Each of these OLE objects, in turn, have other OLE objects related thereto as defined in FIG. 4. Thus, for example, a Parameter object identified by a Param Name may be a VariableParameter object, a RecordParameter object or an ArrayParameter object. If it is a VariableParameter object, it includes collections of "IndexedItemArray," "Enum," "PreEdit," and "PostEdit," all having associated OLE objects. The EnumerationValues object (a collection of the VariableParameter object for variables of the enumerated type) has particular enumerated values identified by the Enumeration Value object which, in turn, includes a collection of Method objects. These Method objects may, for example, include methods of getting or changing enumerated values of a VariableParameter object.

The property, data, and methods stored in, or associated with, all of the OLE objects within FIG. 4, except for the DatabaseParameters and DatabaseParameter objects, represent information which is available from or through the use of DD's or a device conforming to a DDL. The data and method of the DatabaseParameters objects and DatabaseParameter objects are stored in a database.

As with FIG. 3, any OLE object in FIG. 4 can be uniquely identified by a moniker developed by tracing a path from the Root object of FIG. 3 down to the particular OLE object of interest. Thus, for example, the moniker for a pre-edit Method block could be constructed by adding onto the end of the moniker for any Block object of FIG. 3, which is also represented by the Block object of FIG. 4, the expression |param|Param Name|PreEdit|Index.

Once a moniker is established for a particular object within the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 and stored in the memory associated with the server network 66, the DCI 60 and the server network 66 can, thereafter, operate on and access that OLE object using a shorter unique "handle" generated by the server network 66. The handle may, for example, comprise a unique number identifying an OLE object which has been stored in the memory of the server network 66.

In essence, with a unique moniker or the handle, any OLE object identified by the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be immediately accessed by the DCI 60 or the server network 66 and the methods within that OLE object can be invoked in order to accomplish communication with the DDS, a database, a smart device, or other OLE objects as necessary. Thus, for example, the software routine within the server 68 which accesses the DDS 72 to retrieve a particular parameter value from a particular device can be initiated when a call to the proper VariableParameter object is initiated by the DCI 60 using a command which tells the OLE VariableParameter object to read a parameter value.

As is evident, the server network 66 communicates with the database 40, the DDS 72, and the on-line devices transparently to the DCI 60 and the current application 56, because the server network automatically accesses the interrelationships between the OLE objects identified by the lower hierarchy of FIG. 4 to determine which set of routines to implement in order to obtain new information requested by an OLE object or a DDS.

It should be noted that, for any OLE object of FIGS. 3 and 4 to be accessed, the OLE objects above that OLE object in at least one path between that OLE object and the Root Object FIG. 3 must be stored in the server network memory. Thus, for example, when accessing a VariableParameter object of a parameter for a block, the Parameter object and the Block object associated with that parameter and that block will also be stored in the server network memory. The Device object, the DeviceID object and the Root object may also be stored in the server network memory. Without these higher level objects, the server network 66 can not access enough information to determine how to locate and retrieve the data of the VariableParameter object.

In a typical situation, the DCI 60 sends a command to get a value from an OLE object, for example, the Handling property of a VariableParameter object for a particular block of a particular device using a moniker or a handle which has been provided for that VariableParameter object. If the identified OLE object has not yet been stored in the memory of the server network 66, the server network 66 uses pre-written routines and the methods of the one or more OLE objects above that VariableParameter object to retrieve this data from, for example, one of the DDS 72, the smart device itself, or the database 40. The server network 66 then stores this data in a server memory. If needed the server network 66 first stores for example, the Root object, the DeviceID object, the Device object, the Block object, and the Parameters object, in memory.

Next, the server uses the methods of the VariableParmeter object and pre-written routines associated therewith to access the DDS 72 (because that is where the Handling information of a variable parameter of a block is located). If, as in this instance, the value of the Handling property of the variable parameter depends on the mode parameter to which the smart device is currently set, the DDS returns a message to the server 68 telling the server 68 that the DDS needs the mode parameter information pertaining to the device or block which contains that variable. At this point, the server 68 locates the Device object related to the VaribleParameter object to determine how to communicate with the device, i.e., where the device is located in the system and how to interact with that device. The server 66 then uses a prewritten routine for communicating with the device associated with the Device object to instruct the smart device communication interface 74 to retrieve the mode parameter of the device. When the smart device communication interface 74 returns the mode parameter value to the server 68, the server 68 provides this information to the DDS 72 which, thereafter, computes and returns the Handling property to the server 66 which then forwards this information to the OLE VariableParameter object and, thereby to the DCI 60 (because changes in OLE objects result in messages being sent to the host, i.e., the DCI 60 in this case). Thus, to the DCI 60, it merely appears that a request for a read of the Handling property of a parameter was sent to an OLE object and that a message was returned with the Handling property. The communication with the DDS and between OLE objects was accomplished automatically by the server transparently to the current application 56, and the application did not need to know any specifics regarding the type of device was accessed, the DD or DDL associated with that device, etc. Thus, using the interface defined above, an application can communicate with a number of different smart devices following the same or different DDL protocols without the need to consider any of the specifics of the DDS, DDL or DD which must be used to implement that communication.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the DCI 60 may thereby operate to communicate with and retrieve information from the OLE hierarchy represented by FIGS. 3 and 4 by performing relatively simple routines which, for example, (1) create an object hierarchy and associate it with the server network 66, (2) traverse the object hierarchy to explore the objects below a specified object, (3) implement standard OLE methods like Item, which traverses a specific path from one object to another, and NewEnum, which creates an interface to enumerate objects one level below, (4) implement methods related to Block objects which may include methods related to DDL operations, (5) read and write Root and Device object properties, (6) initiate and control non-blocking read and write requests from OLE objects, (7) retrieve results from blocking reads and writes, (8) control changes to the database 40, and (9) control the creation and maintenance of an event log that includes information pertaining to, for example, user changes to the system including change times, identification of the persons and the computers which made the changes, etc.

As a result, an application for the FMS system 10 does not have to be specifically programmed to interface with a DDS, database or smart devices which, in turn, allows an application developer to be much less knowledgeable with respect to DDL formats, DD's and smart device communications.

It will be noted that, using the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 as described above, any application implemented by the FMS system 10 can interface with FMS devices using, for example, any OLE-compatible programming environment to gain access to the IUnknown and IDispatch interfaces associated with each object in the hierarchy. It is considered that Visual Basic programs and C++ programs are well-suited to use the above-defined OLE hierarchy.

Furthermore, although the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 is specifically related to the Fieldbus DDL and to the HART DDL, which is very similar to the Fieldbus DDL, it is considered that this or a similar hierarchy can be made for other DDL's associated with other smart devices including, for example, Modbus smart devices in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, it is considered that the hierarchy of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be implemented by other object-oriented programming protocols and even by non-object oriented programming protocols.

While the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only, and not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions and/or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

OLE OBJECT DDL EQUIVALENTS

______________________________________The following table explains the correspondence betweenthe OLE hierarchy described above and the related constructs inthe DDL. As used in the table, the term "Host device" means anFMS system or an FMS application. Further, the actual keywordsemployed by a particular DDL may vary, and the proper keywordsfor a particular DDL will be provided in the specificationprovided for that DDL. The following table is based on theFieldbus Device Description Language, which is similar to theHART Device Description Language.OLE OBJECT (Lower Hierarchy)            DDL EQUIVALENT______________________________________ArrayParameter object            The DDL equivalent is an array,            which is a logical group of            values. Each value, or element,            is of the data type of a DDL            variable. An element may be            referenced from elsewhere in the            device description via the array            name and the element index. DDL            arrays describe communication            array objects. Therefore, from            a communication perspective, the            individual elements of the array            are not treated as individual            variables, but simply as            individual values.Block object     The DDL equivalent is a block,            which defines the external            characteristics of a DDL block.Collection object            The DDL equivalent is aThis OLE object represents a            collection, which is a logicalparticular object in the            group of members. Each memberCollections collection            in the group is assigned a name.object.          The members may be referenced in(see Collections)            the device description by using            a collection name and a member            name.CollectionItems collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("Member")            collection, which is a logical            group of members. Each member            in the group is assigned a name.            The members may be referenced in            the device description by using            a collection name and a member            name.Collections collection object            The closest DDL equivalent is a("Collection")   collection, which is a logical            group of items (in this case            collections). Each collection            in the group is assigned a name.            The collections may be            reference from in the device            description by using the            collection name and the name of            the collection of collections.DatabaseParameters collection            There is no DDL equivalent toobject ("Database")            this OLE collection object,            which exists only in the FMS            database. This object relates            to a collection of parameters            stored in a database.DatabaseParameter object            There is no DDL equivalent to            this OLE object, which exists            only in the FMS database. This            object relates to a parameter            stored in a database.EditDisplay object            The DDL equivalent is an edit            display, which defines how data            will be presented to a user by a            host. It is used to group items            together during editing.EditDisplayItems collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("Display" and "Edit")            collection of edit items, which            are a set of block parameters            and elements of block parameters            to be edited by the user. The            display items are provided to            allow the user to decide what            the values of the edit items            should be.EditDisplays collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("EditDisplay")            collection of edit displays,            which define how data will be            presented to a user by a host.            They are used to group items            together during editing.Elements collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("Element")      collection or group of elements,            which specify one item (such as            a variable or menu) in the            group, and is defined by a group            of four parameters (index, item,            description and help).EnumerationValue object            The DDL equivalent is a variable            of the enumeration type. Such            variables include enumerated            variables, which are unsigned            integers that have a text string            associated with some or all            values (useful for defining            tables, for example), and bit-            enumerated variables, which are            unsigned integers that have a            text string associated with some            or all bits (useful in defining            status octets).EnumerationValues collection            The DDL equivalent is aObject ("Enum")  collection of variables of the            enumeration type.ItemArray collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("IndexedItemArray")            collection of item arrays.ItemArray object The DDL equivalent is an item            array, which is a logical group            of items, such as variables or            menus. Each item in the group            is assigned a number, called an            index. The items can be            referenced from elsewhere in the            device description via the item            array name and the item number.            Item arrays are merely groups of            DDL items and are unrelated to            communication arrays (item type            "ARRAY"). Communication arrays            are arrays of values.ItemArrayItems collection            The DDL equivalent is anobject ("Element")            element, an attribute of an item            array which identifies elements            of the item array. Each item            array element specifies one item            (such as a variable or menu) in            the group, and is defined by a            group of four parameters (index,            item, description and help).ItemArrays collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("ItemArray")    collection of item arrays.Members collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("Member")       collection of members, which are            variables, records, and/or            arrays.Menu object      The DDL equivalent is a menu,            which organizes parameters,            methods, and other items            specified in the DDL into a            hierarchical structure. A host            application may use the menu            items to display information to            the user in an organized and            consistent fashion.MenuItems collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("MenuItem")     collection of menus items. The            items of a menu specify the            items associated with the menu            plus an optional qualifier.Menus collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("Menu")         collection of menus.Method object    The DDL equivalent is a method,            which describes the execution of            complex interactions that must            occur between host devices and a            field device.Methods collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("PreEdit", "PostEdit", and            collection of methods."Method")NamedConfig object            There is no DDL equivalent to a            NamedConfig object because these            objects correspond to blocks            that are stored in the FMS            database rather than in field            devices.Parameters collection object            The DDL equivalent is a("Param")        collection of parameters, which            may be records, arrays, or            variables.RecordParameter object            The DDL equivalent is a record,            which is a logical group of            variables. Each variable in the            record is assigned a DDL            variable name. Each variable            may have a different data type.            The variables may be referenced            from elsewhere in the device            description via the report name            and the member name. DDL            records describe communication            record objects. Therefore, from            a communication perspective, the            individual members of the record            are not treated as individual            variables, but simply as a group            of variable values.RefreshRelation object            The DDL equivalent is a refresh            relation, a particular type of            relation which allows the host            device to make decisions            regarding parameter value            consistency when a parameter            value changes. It specifies a            set of block parameters which            may need to be refreshed (re-            read from the device) whenever a            block parameter from another set            is modified. A block parameter            can have a refresh relationship            with itself, implying that the            block parameter must be read            after writing.            Occasionally writing a block            parameter to a field device            causes the field device to            update the values of other block            parameters. If the additional            updated block parameters are            dynamic, there is no conflict            because the host device should            re-read the parameter values            from a failed device each time            the values are needed. However,            host devices may cache the            values of static block            parameters. Therefore, for host            devices to maintain the correct            values of all static block            parameters, they need to know            when the field device is            changing its values.RefreshRelations collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("Refresh")            collection of refresh relations.RelationItems collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("Units", "Members",            collection of parameters, which"Left", and "Right")            may be variables, records,            and/or arrays.ResponseCode object            The DDL equivalent is a response            codes, which specifies the            values a field device may return            as application-specific errors.            Each variable, record, array,            variable list program, or            domain can have its own set of            response codes, because each one            is eligible for FMS services.ResponseCodes collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("RespCode")            collection of response codes.UnitRelation object            The DDL equivalent is a unit            relation, which specifies a            units code parameter and the            block parameters with those            units. When a units code            parameter is modified, the block            parameter having that units            code should be refreshed. In            this respect, a unit relation is            exactly like a refresh relation.            In addition, when a block            parameter with a units code is            displayed, the value of its            units code will also be            displayed.UnitRelations collection            The DDL equivalent is aobject ("Unit")  collection of unit relations.VariableParameter object            The DDL equivalent is a            variable, which describes data            contained in a device.WriteAsOne Relation object            The DDL equivalent is a write-            as-one relation, which informs            the host device that a group of            block parameters needs to be            modified as a group. This            relation does not necessarily            mean the block parameters are            written to the field device at            the same time. Not all block            parameters sent to the field            device at the same time are            necessarily part of a write-as-            one relation. If a field device            requires specific block            parameters to be examined and            modified at the same time for            proper operation, a write-as-one            relation is required.WriteAsOneRelations            The DDL equivalent is acollection object ("WAO")            collection of write-as-one            relations.______________________________________

OLE OBJECT DEFINITIONS

______________________________________The following tables illustrate the properties and methodsof the various OLE objects and collection objects in the lowerhierarchy illustrated in FIG. 4. The various properties ofthose objects and collection objects are not included in thefollowing table, but those properties correspond to theattributes of the DDL objects which are equivalents of theobjects. The DDL equivalents of the OLE objects and collectionobjects are identified in the OLE object DDL equivalents table,and are fully described in the ISP Fieldbus DDL specificationdocument, incorporated by reference herein.The following tables use the following symbols to denotethe following information:(R)     Access the property via the Read/Write and Get/Set   methods.(†)   Read/Write.(††)   Read/Write in devices less than Rev. 5; otherwise,   read-only.(M)     Run this method by executing the OLE method called   "Method" or "CallMethod"(N)     Not implemented.(C)     Access this property via an OLE property. Get   method, or a Read request containing only this   property.The values referenced in the Return Type column indicatethe following VARIANT types:VT.sub.-- EMPTY         Used when no value is available.VT.sub.-- I4  Used for integer values and boolean         values.VT.sub.-- R4  Used for most floating point field         measurement values.VT.sub.-- R8  Used for double precision measurement         values.VT.sub.-- DATE         Used for dates and times using double         precision.VT.sub.-- BSTR         Used for character strings.VT.sub.-- ERROR         Used for error codes.VT.sub.-- ARRAY         Used for binary values.All objects defined in this table have the set of StandardProperties listed below.______________________________________

Standard Properties

______________________________________Property Name        Return Type                   Description______________________________________Kind (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                   Returns the object's kind.KinAsString (R)        VT.sub.-- BSTR                   Returns the object's kind as a                   string.Moniker (P)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                   Returns a full moniker for the                   object.______________________________________

ArrayParameter Object

______________________________________Property Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C)  VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection. This property                  blocks until all the items in                  the collection can be accessed                  without blocking.ReadyCount (C)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection that can be                  accessed without blocking,                  which may be less than the                  total number of items in the                  collection.ServerCount (N)      VT.sub.-- I4                  Same as the Count property                  except it does not block if                  all the items are not                  immediately available.Name (R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The parameter's (or record                  member's) name.MemberId (R)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The parameter's (or record                  member's) member ID.ItemId (R) VT.sub.-- I4                  The array's item ID;ParamIndex (R)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The parameter's (or array                  element's) index.ParamLabel (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The parameter-specific label.Label (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The array-specific label.ParamHelp (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The parameter-specific help.Help (R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The array-specific help.NumberOfElements      VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of elements in the(R)                    array.______________________________________Method Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Item       VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                  Takes one argument of type                  VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                  the collections provided by the                  object.                  Collections:                  The "Element" collection is an                  Elements collection and                  contains the array's elements.                  The "RespCode" collection is a                  ResponseCodes collection and                  contains the array's response                  codes..sub.-- NewEnum      VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                  Returns the IUnknown interface                  of an object that implements                  the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Block Object

______________________________________      ReturnProperty Name      Type        Description______________________________________Count (C)  VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection. This property                  blocks until all the items in                  the collection can be accessed                  without blocking.ReadyCount (C)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection that can be accessed                  without blocking, which may be                  less than the total number of                  items in the collection.ServerCount (N)      VT.sub.-- I4                  Same as the Count property                  except it does not block if all                  the items are not immediately                  available.Name (R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The block's name.ItemId (R) VT.sub.-- I4                  The block's item id.Label (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The block's label.Help (R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The block's help.Tag (R)    VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The block's internal tag.                  Note:                  For a HART block, this is the                  HART tag.BlockTag (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The block's external tag.PhysicalTag (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The internal tag of the device                  in which the block resides.                  Note:                  For a HART device, this is the                  HART tag.DeviceTag (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The external tag of the device                  in which the block resides.DeviceId (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The unique identifier of the                  device in which the block                  resides.NetAddress (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The network address, as a                  moniker, of the device in which                  the block resides.StationAddress (R)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The station address of the                  device in which the block                  resides.______________________________________Method Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Item       VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                  Takes one argument of type                  VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                  the collections provided by the                  object.                  Collections:                  The "Param" collection is a                  Parameters collection and                  contains the block's                  parameters.                  The "Database" collection is a                  DatabaseParameters collection                  and contains the database                  parameters for the block.                  The "Method" collection is a                  Methods collection and                  contains the block's methods.                  The "Menu" collection is a                  Menus collection and contains                  the block's menus.                  The "EditDisplay" collection                  is an EditDisplays collection                  and contains the block's edit                  displays.                  The "ItemArray" collection is                  an ItemArrays collection and                  contains the block's item                  arrays.                  The "Collection" collection is                  a Collections collection and                  contains the block's                  collections.                  The "Refresh" collection is a                  RefreshRelations collection                  and contains the block's                  refresh relations.                  The "Unit" collection is a                  UnitRelations collection and                  contains the block's unit                  relations.                  The "WAO" collection is a                  WriteAsOneRelations collection                  and contains the block's write                  as one relations..sub.-- NewEnum      VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                  Returns the IUnknown interface                  of an object that implements                  the IEnumVariant interface.Invalidate (M)      VT.sub.-- EMPTY                  Invalidates the parameters in                  the parameter cache. This                  method is used to force all                  the parameters to be re-read                  from the device.SendCommand (M)      VT.sub.-- EMPTY                  Sends a HART command. Takes                  two arguments of type VT.sub.-- I4                  which specify the command                  number and the transaction                  number.SendContinuous      VT.sub.-- EMPTY                  Sends two HART commandsCommand (M)            continuously. Takes six                  arguments of type VT.sub.-- I4. The                  first three arguments specify                  the first command to be sent                  and the last three arguments                  specify the second command to                  sent. The first and fourth                  arguments specify command                  numbers, the second and fifth                  arguments specify transaction                  numbers, and the third and                  sixth arguments specify the                  number of times to send the                  specified commands.FindResponseCode      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  Returns the string associated(M)                    with a response code of a HART                  command. Takes three argu-                  ments of type VT.sub.-- I4 which                  specify the command number,                  the transaction number and the                  response code value.______________________________________

BlockTag Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (N) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The Block object whose                 BlockTag property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum (N)     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Collections Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The DDL collection whose                 ItemId property matches the                 argument is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 DDL collection whose Index                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the DDL collection                 whose Name property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

CollectionItems Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The item whose ItemMemberID                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the item whose                 ItemName property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

CollectionItem Object

______________________________________Property Name      Return Type  Description______________________________________ItemName (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                   The collection item's member                   name.ItemMemberId (R)      VT.sub.-- I4 The collection item's member                   ID.ItemLabel (R)      VT.sub.-- I4 The collection item's label.ItemHelp (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                   The collection item's help.______________________________________

Collection Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The collection's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The collection's item ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The collection's index.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The collection's label.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The collection's help.Type (R)  VT.sub.-- I4                 The collection's type.TypeAsString (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The collection's type as a                 string.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Member" collection is a                 CollectionItems collection and                 contains the members of the                 DDL collection..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

DatabaseParameter Object

______________________________________Property Name       Return Type  Description______________________________________Name (R)    VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The parameter's name.Value (R) (†)       VT.sub.-- VARIANT                    The parameter's value.ValueAsString       VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The parameter's value as a(R) (†)           string.Size (R)    VT.sub.-- I4 The parameter's size (in                    bytes).Type (R)    VT.sub.-- I4 The parameter's type.TypeAsString (R)       VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The parameter's type as a                    string.______________________________________

DatabaseParameter Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 stressed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The DatabaseParameter object                 whose Name property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

DeviceID Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (N) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The Device object whose                 DeviceID property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum (N)     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Device Object

______________________________________Property Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C)  VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection. This property                  blocks until all the items in                  the collection can be accessed                  without blocking.ReadyCount (C)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection that can be                  accessed without blocking,                  which may be less than the                  total number of items in the                  collection.ServerCount (N)      VT.sub.-- I4                  Same as the Count property                  except it does not block if                  all the items are not                  immediately available.PhysicalTag (R) (†)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The device's internal tag.                  Note:                  For a HART device, this is the                  HART tag.DeviceTag (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The device's external tag.DeviceID (R) († †)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The device's unique                  identifier.StationAddress      VT.sub.-- I4                  The device's station address.(R) (†)NetAddress (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The device's network address                  as a moniker.______________________________________Method Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Item       VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                  Takes one argument of type                  VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                  the collections provided by the                  object.                  Collections:                  The " Tag"  collection is a Tag                  collection and contains all                  the device's blocks.                  Special Case:                  If the argument is " HART," the                  IDispatch interface of the                  device's Block object is                  returned..sub.-- NewEnum      VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                  Returns the IUnknown interface                  of an object that implements                  the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

DeviceTag Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (N) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The Device object whose                 DeviceTag property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum (N)     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

EditDisplayItems Collections

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 item whole Index property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

EditDisplays Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The edit display whose ItemId                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 edit display whose Index                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the edit display                 whose Name property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

EditDisplay Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than all the                 items in the collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The edit display's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The edit display's item ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The edit display's index.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The edit display's label.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes an argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one                 collection of the object.                 Collections:                 The "Edit" collection is an                 EditDisplayItems collection                 and contains the edit                 display's edit items.                 The "Display" collection is an                 EditDisplayItems collection                 and contains the edit                 display's display items.                 The "PreEdit" collection is a                 Methods collection and                 contains the edit display's                 pre-edit methods.                 The "PostEdit" collection is a                 Methods collection and                 contains the edit display's                 post-edit methods..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.ExecutePreEdit     VT.sub.-- EMPTY                 Executes the edit display's                 pre-edit methods.ExecutePostEdit     VT.sub.-- EMPTY                 Executes the edit display's                 post-edit methods.______________________________________

Elements Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The element whose ItemId                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The element whose ParamIndex                 property equals this integer                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

EnumerationValue Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items of the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Description (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The enumeration value's                 description.Value (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The enumeration value.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The enumeration value's help.Class (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The enumeration value's class.ClassAsString (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The enumeration value's class                 as a string.StatusClasses (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The enumeration value's status                 classes.StatusClassesAs     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The enumeration value's statusString (R)            classes as a string.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Member" collection is a                 CollectionItems collection and                 contains the members of the                 DDL collection..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.ExecuteActions     VT.sub.-- EMPTY                 Executes the enumeration                 value's actions method.______________________________________

EnumerationValues Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 collection.ServerCount (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 enumeration value whose Value                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the enumeration                 value whose Description                 property matches the argument                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

HIU Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 Interchange object whose                 StationAddress property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Interchange Object

______________________________________Property Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C)  VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection. This property                  blocks until all the items in                  the collection can be accessed                  without blocking.ReadyCount (C)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The number of items in the                  collection that can be                  accessed without blocking,                  which may be less than the                  total number of items in the                  collection.ServerCount (N)      VT.sub.-- I4                  Same as the Count property                  except it does not block if                  all the items are not                  immediately available.Tag (R) (†)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The HART Interchange's HART                  tag.DeviceID (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The HART Interchange's unique                  identifier.NetAddress (R)      VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The HART Interchange's                  network address as a moniker.StationAddress (R)      VT.sub.-- I4                  The HART Interchange's station                  address.______________________________________Method Name      Return Type Description______________________________________Item       VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                  Returns the IDispatch                  interface of the specified                  device on the Instrument List.                  This method takes one argument                  which is a loop number, 0-31                  inclusive.                  Or                  "Block," which returns the                  IDISPATCH interface to the                  Block Object that describes                  the HIU itself..sub.-- NewEnum      VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                  Returns the IUnknown interface                  of an object that implements                  the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

ItemArray Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 assessed without blocking,                 which may be less an the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The item array's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The item array's item ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The item array's index.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The item array's label.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The item array's help.Type (R)  VT.sub.-- I4                 The item array's type.TypeAsString (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The item array's type as a                 string.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Element" collection is an                 ItemArrayItems collection and                 contains the elements of the                 item array..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

ItemArray Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 if the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The item array whose ItemId                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 item array whose Index                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the item array                 whose Name property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

ItemArrayItem Object

______________________________________Property Name       Return Type Description______________________________________ItemIndex (R)       VT.sub.-- BSTR                   The item array item's index.ItemLabel (R)       VT.sub.-- I4                   The item array item's label.ItemHelp (R)       VT.sub.-- BSTR                   The item array item's help.______________________________________

ItemArrayItems Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 item whose ItemIndex property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Members Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of a DDID (an                 integer). If the DDID is an                 item ID, the member whose                 ItemId property matches the                 argument is returned. If the                 DDID is a member ID, the                 member whose MemberId property                 matches the argument is                 returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 parameter whose ParamIndex                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the parameter whose                 Name property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

MenuItems Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 item whose Index property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

MenuItem Object

______________________________________Property Name        Return Type                   Description______________________________________Flags (R)    VT.sub.-- I4                   The menu item's flags.FlagsAsString (R)        VT.sub.-- BSTR                   The menu item's flags as a                   string.______________________________________

Menu Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The menu's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The menu's item id.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The menu's index.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The menu's label.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "MenuItem" collection is a                 MenuItems collection and                 contains the items of the                 menu..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object the implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Menus Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The menu whose ItemId property                 matches the argument is                 returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit the string must take the                 form of an integer and the                 menu whose Index property                 matches the argument is                 returned.                 Otherwise, the menu whose Name                 property matches the argument                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Methods Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The method whose ItemId                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 method whose Index property                 matches the argument is                 returned.                 Otherwise, the method whose                 Name property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Method Object

______________________________________Property Name        Return Type Description______________________________________Name (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The method's name.ItemID (R)   VT.sub.-- I4                    The method's item ID.Index (R)    VT.sub.-- I4                    The method's index.Class (R)    VT.sub.-- I4                    The method's class.ClassAsString (R)        VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The method's class as a                    string.Definition (R)        VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The method's definition.Label (R)    VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The method's label.Help (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                    The method's help.Validity (R) VT.sub.-- I4                    The method's validity.______________________________________Method Name  Return Type Description______________________________________Execute      VT.sub.-- EMPTY                    Executes the method.______________________________________

Modem Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 Device object whose                 StationAddress property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

NamedConfigs Collection

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (N) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The NamedConfig object whose                 Name property matches the                 argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum (N)     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

NamedConfig Object

______________________________________Property Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Count (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The the number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The configuration's name.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The configuration's label.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The configuration's help.Tag (R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                 If set, the configuration only                 applies to a block with the                 specified internal tag.BlockTag (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 If set, the configuration only                 applies to a block with the                 specified external tag.PhysicalTag (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 If set, the configuration only                 applies to a device with the                 specified internal tag.DeviceTag (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 If set, the configuration only                 applies to a device with the                 specified external tag.DeviceID (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 If set, the configuration only                 applies to a device with the                 specified unique identifier.______________________________________Method Name     Return Type Description______________________________________Item      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                 the collections provided by                 the object.                 Collections:                 The "Param" collection is a                 Parameters collection and                 contains the block's                 parameters.                 The "Database" collection is                 a DatabaseParameters                 collection and contains the                 database parameters for the                 block.                 The "Method" collection is a                 Methods collection and                 contains the block's methods.                 The "Menu" collection is a                 Menus collection and contains                 the block's menus.                 The "EditDisplay" collection                 is an EditDisplays collection                 and contains the block's edit                 displays.                 The "ItemArray" collection is                 an ItemArrays collection and                 contains the block's item                 arrays.                 The "Collection" collection                 is a Collections collection                 and contains the block's                 collections.                 The "Refresh" collection is a                 RefreshRelations collection                 and contains the block's                 refresh relations.                 The "Unit" collection is a                 UnitRelations collection and                 contains the block's unit                 relations.                 The "WAO" collection is a                 WriteAsOneRelations                 collection and contains the                 block's write as one                 relations..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown                 interface an object that                 implements the IEnumVariant                 interface.______________________________________

Net Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The NetNode object whose Name                 property matches the argument                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

NetNode Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The node's TCP/IP node name.Address (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The node's TCP/IP address in                 dot address format.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:port name (returns a Port                 collection, e.g., COM1 or                 COM2)                 Note:                 In the future, access to the                 RS3, PROVOX, and HAWK                 control systems will also                 be provided..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Parameters Collection

______________________________________   Return Type              Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4 The number of items in the                  collection. This property                  blocks until all the items in                  the collection can be accessed                  without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4 The number of items in the                  collection that can be                  accessed without blocking,                  which may be less than the                  total number of items in the                  collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4 Same as the Count property                  except it does not block if                  all the items are not                  immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                  Takes one argument of type                  VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                  the items in the collection.                  If the argument begins with a                  $, the rest of the string must                  take the form of a DDID (an                  integer). If the DDID is an                  item id, the parameter whose                  ItemId property matches the                  argument is returned. If the                  DDID is a MemberId, the                  parameter whose MemberId                  property matches the argument                  is returned.                  If the argument begins with a                  digit, the string must take                  the form of an integer and the                  parameter whose ParamIndex                  property matches the argument                  is returned.                  Otherwise, the parameter whose                  Name property matches the                  argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                  Returns the IUnknown interface                  of an object that implements                  the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

PhysicalTag Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (N) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The Device object whose                 PhysicalTag property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum (N)     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Port Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "HIU" collection is a HIU                 collection and contains all                 the HART interchanges                 accessible via the port.                 The "Modem" collection is a                 Modem collection and contains                 all the HART devices                 accessible via the port..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

RecordParameter Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's (or record                 member's) name.MemberId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's (or record                 member's) member id.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The record's item id.ParamIndex (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's (or array                 element's) index.ParamLabel (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter-specific label.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The record-specific label.ParamHelp (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter-specific help.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The record-specific help.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Member" collection is a                 Members collection and                 contains the record's members.                 The "RespCode" collection is a                 ResponseCodes collection and                 contains the record's response                 codes..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

RefreshReLation Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The refresh relation's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The refresh relation's item                 ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The refresh relation's index.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Left" collection is a                 RelationItems collection and                 contains the parameters on the                 left side of the refresh                 relation.                 The "Right" collection is a                 RelationItems collection and                 contains the parameters on the                 right side of the refresh                 relation..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

RefreshRelations Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The refresh relation whose                 ItemId property matches the                 argument is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 refresh relation whose Index                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the refresh                 relation whose Name property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

ResponseCode Object

______________________________________Property Name       Return Type                  Description______________________________________Value (R)   VT.sub.-- I4                  The response code's value.Type (R)    VT.sub.-- I4                  The response code's type.Description (R)       VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The response code's                  description.Help (R)    VT.sub.-- BSTR                  The response code's help.______________________________________

RelationItems Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Same as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 item whose Index property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

ResponseCodes Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The argument must take the                 form of an integer and the                 response code whose Value                 property matches the argument                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

Root Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of                 the collections provided by                 the object.                 Collections:                 The "NamedConfig" collection                 is a NamedConfig collection                 and contains all the named                 configurations, 275                 configurations, and device                 templates.                 The "BlockTag" collection is                 a BlockTag collection and                 contains all the blocks in                 the database organized by                 tag.                 The "DeviceID" collection is                 a DeviceID collection and                 contains all the devices in                 the database organized by                 unique identifier.                 The "DeviceTag" collection is                 a DeviceTag collection and                 contains all the devices in                 the database organized by                 tag.                 The "PhysicalTag" collection                 is a PhysicalTag collection                 and contains all the devices                 in the database organized by                 HART tag.                 The "Net" collection is a Net                 collection and contains all                 the TCP/IP nodes..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown                 interface of an object that                 implements the IEnumVariant                 interface.______________________________________

Tag Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 The Block object whose Tag                 property matches the argument                 is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

UnitRelation Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The unit relation's name.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The unit relation's item ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The unit relation's index.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Units" collection is a                 RelationItems collection and                 contains the parameter on the                 left side of the unit                 relation.                 The "Member" collection is a                 RelationItems collection and                 contains the parameters on the                 right side of the unit                 relation.NewEnum   VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object thatimplements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

UnitRelations Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of the string must                 take the form of an integer.                 The unit relation whose ItemId                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 unit relation whose Index                 property matches the argument                 is returned.                 Otherwise, the unit relation                 whose Name property matches                 the argument is returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

VariableParameter Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name(R)   VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's (or record                 member's) name.MemberId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's (or record                 member's) member id.ItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The variable's item id.Paramlndex (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's (or array                 element's) index.Value (†) (R)     VT.sub.-- VARIANT                 The parameter's value.ValueAsString(†)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's value as a(R)                   string.Type (R)  VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's type.TypeAsString (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's type as a                 string.Size (R)  VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's size (in                 bytes).ParamLabel (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter-specific label.Label (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The variable-specific label.ParamHelp (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter-specific help.Help (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The variable-specific help.Class (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's class.ClassAsString (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's class as a                 string.Handling (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Returns the parameter's                 handling.HandlingAsString     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's handling as a(R)                   string.ReadTimeout (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's read time-out.WriteTimeout (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's write                 time-out.DisplayFormat     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's display(R)                   format.EditFormat (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's edit format.MinCount (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of min valuesMaxCount (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of max values.MinValueN (R)     VT.sub.-- VARIANT                 One of the, parameter's min                 values. N indicates which min                 value is to be returned and                 must take the form of an                 integer.MaxValueN (R)     VT.sub.-- VARIANT                 One of the parameter's max                 values. N indicates which max                 value is to be returned and                 must take the form of an                 integer.EnumDescription     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The Description property of(R)                   the Enumeration Value                 corresponding to the current                 value of the parameter. This                 property is only meaningful if                 the parameter's type is                 ENUMERATED.EnumHelp (R)     VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The Help property of the                 Enumeration Value                 corresponding to the current                 value of the parameter. This                 property is only meaningful if                 the parameter's type is                 ENUMERATED.Units (R) VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The parameter's units.Validity (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The parameter's validity.IndexItemArray     VT.sub.-- I4                 The Item ID of the Item Array(R)                   which this variable indexes,                 if this variable is of type                 Index.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 collections provided by the                 object.                 Collections:                 The "Enum" collection is an                 EnumerationValues collection                 and contains the parameter's                 enumeration values.                 The "RespCode" collection is a                 ResponseCodes collection and                 contains the parameter's                 response codes.                 The "PreEdit" collection is a                 Methods collection and                 contains the parameter's                 pre-edit methods.                 The "PostEdit" collection is a                 Methods collection and                 contains the parameter's                 post-edit methods.                 The "IndexedItemArray"                 collection is an ItemArray                 object which corresponds to                 the ItemArray parameter, if                 this variable is of type                 Index..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.ExecutePreEdit     VT.sub.-- EMPTY                 Executes the parameter's                 pre-edit methods.ExecutePostEdit     VT.sub.-- EMPTY                 Executes the parameter's                 post-edit methods.______________________________________

WriteAsOneRelation Object

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Name (R)  VT.sub.-- BSTR                 The write as one relation's                 nameItemId (R)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The write as one relation's                 item ID.Index (R) VT.sub.-- I4                 The write as one relation's                 index.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 Collections:                 The "Member" collection is a                 RelationItems collection and                 contains the parameters of the                 write as one relation..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

WriteAsOneReLations Collection

______________________________________   Return Type             Description______________________________________Property NameCount (C) VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection. This property                 blocks until all the items in                 the collection can be accessed                 without blocking.ReadyCount (C)     VT.sub.-- I4                 The number of items in the                 collection that can be                 accessed without blocking,                 which may be less than the                 total number of items in the                 collection.ServerCount (N)     VT.sub.-- I4                 Sample as the Count property                 except it does not block if                 all the items are not                 immediately available.Method NameItem      VT.sub.-- DISPATCH                 Takes one argument of type                 VT.sub.-- BSTR and returns one of the                 items in the collection.                 If the argument begins with a                 $, the rest of aha must take                 the form of an integer. The                 write as one relation whose                 ItemId property matches the                 argument is returned.                 If the argument begins with a                 digit, the string must take                 the form of an integer and the                 write as one relation whose                 Index property matches the                 argument is returned.                 Otherwise, the write as one                 relation whose Name property                 matches the argument is                 returned..sub.-- NewEnum     VT.sub.-- UNKNOWN                 Returns the IUnknown interface                 of an object that implements                 the IEnumVariant interface.______________________________________

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the interconnections between a process, a digital control system and a management system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management control system of FIG. 1 having a device communication interface which operates according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an upper hierarchy of object information according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 4A-4C are a lower hierarchy of object information according to the present invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to management systems having applications that manage "smart" field devices within a process or a plant and, more particularly, to a communication network capable of communicating with one or more smart field devices within a process.

BACKGROUND ART

Typically, process plants (such as chemical refinery plants and drug manufacturing plants, for example) include many field devices which control and measure parameters within the process. Each field device may be a control device (such as a flow valve controller), a measurement device (such as a temperature gauge, pressure gauge, flow meter, etc.) and/or any other device that affects or determines a value associated with a process. Until the past decade or so, field devices have typically been rather simple devices which are controlled either manually or electronically and which produce output readings either electronically or on a gauge connected to the device. However, these devices typically only provide limited information to a controller such as analog signals pertaining to the readings or measurements made by these devices.

More recently, so called "smart" field devices have been developed. Smart field devices are capable of communicating with a process controller and/or a management system associated with the device. Typical smart field devices are capable of transmitting an analog signal indicative of the value associated with the device, for example, a measurement value, and of storing and also digitally transmitting detailed device-specific information, including calibration, configuration, diagnostic, maintenance and/or process information. Some smart devices may, for example, store and transmit the units in which the device is measuring, the maximum ranges of the device, whether the device is operating correctly, troubleshooting information about the device, how and when to calibrate the device, etc. Furthermore, a smart field device may be able to perform operations on itself, such as self-tests and self-calibration routines. Exemplary smart devices include devices which follow the HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol (HART devices), the Fieldbus protocol (Fieldbus devices), the Modbus protocol, and the DE protocol. However, other smart device protocols may exist or be developed in the future to support different types of smart devices.

Currently, every conventional and smart device is capable of performing one or more specific input and/or output functions with respect to a process. An input function is any function which measures or reads a value associated with a process, such as the function performed by a temperature or pressure measurement device. An output function is any function that changes something within a process, such as the functions performed by a valve or a flow controller. Furthermore, some smart devices, such as Fieldbus devices, can perform control functions which are functions associated with the control of a process. Each input, output and control sub-function performed by a device is referred to as a "block." By definition, therefore, each device includes at least one and maybe more blocks. Fieldbus devices usually include multiple blocks (e.g., one or more input, output, and control blocks), and, while HART devices do not include blocks per se, the contents of a HART device may be conceptualized as constituting one and only one block.

Each block and, therefore, each device includes one or more "parameters." A parameter is an attribute of a block which characterizes, affects or is somehow otherwise related to the block. Parameters may include, for example, the type of the block, the maximum operating or measurement range of a block, the mode of a block, the value of a block measurement, etc.

Likewise, each parameter has one or more properties associated therewith, and each of those properties defines or describes the information within the parameter. For example, the temperature parameter of a temperature measuring device has a label property which stores the name of the parameter (e.g., "temperature"), a value property which stores the value of the parameter (e.g., the actual measured temperature), and a units property which stores the units in which the temperature value is expressed (e.g., degrees centigrade or degrees fahrenheit). A device or a block configuration comprises a set of values for each of the properties of each of the parameters associated with a device or a block.

As noted above, smart field devices are developed so that communication therewith must be performed in one of several available protocols (the HART and Fieldbus protocols, for example). These protocols allow device manufacturers to provide device-specific types of information for a device and, of course, the particular types of information are different for each type of smart field device. Consequently, these protocols are complex and difficult to use in device programming. More particularly, some of these protocols do not provide a completely consistent method for communicating with every smart device conforming thereto. Instead, these protocols, such as the HART protocol, merely provide a way for device manufactures to specify what information is available from each smart field device and how to retrieve that information.

Communication with smart devices has been simplified to some extent with the advent of device description languages (DDL) and device description services (DDS) which are provided by the manufacturers of smart field devices. A DDL is a human-readable language that provides a protocol for describing the data available from a smart device, the meaning of the data associated with the smart device and retrieved therefrom, the methods available for implementation of the smart device, the format for communicating with the smart device to obtain data, user interface information about the device (such as edit displays and menus), and data necessary for handling or interpreting other information pertaining to a smart device.

DDL source files comprise human-readable text written by device developers. These files specify all the information available about a device between the device and a bus or a host to which the device is connected. Basically, in developing a DDL source file for a device, a developer uses the DDL language to describe core or essential parameter characteristics of the device as well as to provide group-specific, and vendor-specific definitions relating to each block, parameter, and special feature of a smart device.

A DDL source file is compiled into a binary format to produce a machine-readable file known as a device description (DD) which can be provided to a user by the device manufacturer or a third-party developer to be stored in a host system, such as a management system. In some cases, for example in Fieldbus devices, DDL source files may be stored in a smart device and transferred from the smart device to a host system. When the host system receives a DD object file for a smart device, it can decode and interpret the DD to derive a complete description of the interface with the device.

DDS is a general software system developed and provided by Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. and/or Rosemount, Inc. for automatically decoding and interpreting the DD's of smart devices. More particularly, DDS is a library of routines which, when called by a host, interprets the DD of a smart device to provide the host with information pertaining to the smart device, including information pertaining to: (1) the setup and configuration of the smart device; (2) communication with the smart device; (3) user interfaces; and (4) methods available for use in conjunction with the smart device. One extremely useful application of DDS is in providing a consistent interface between a host system and one or more smart devices having associated DDL source files (and corresponding DD object files).

Although DDS, DDL and DD's are generally known in the art, more information pertaining to the specific function and format of DDL's, and of Fieldbus DDL in particular, can be found in the InterOperable Systems Project Foundation's manual entitled "InterOperable Systems Project Fieldbus Specification Device Description Language" (1993), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. A similar document pertaining to the HART DDL is provided by the HART foundation.

A management system is a system which interacts with one or more smart field devices to read any of the device, block, parameter, variable, or configuration information associated with those devices. Typically, a management system comprises a personal computer having appropriate communication ports which allow it to interconnect to, communicate with, and reconfigure a smart device. Management systems may be on-line, that is, have a hard-wired or any other permanent connection with a smart device. Management systems may also be portable and capable of being periodically connected to a smart device to reconfigure that smart device.

Management systems typically perform a wide variety of functions with respect to smart devices within a system. For example, management systems may be used to provide users with information (e.g., values of variables or parameters) pertaining to the state of a process and to each of the smart field devices associated with or connected to the process. Management systems may also be used to enable a user to monitor a process and control the process by reconfiguring smart devices within the process as necessary.

The software routines which are used to perform functions within a management system using features provided by the system are generally referred to as applications. Typically, management systems implement applications provided by individual smart device manufacturers to implement changes on, and read data from, a particular smart device. As a result, various applications within a management system often do not share a common or consistent interface, and the transition from one application to another is therefore cumbersome and time-consuming. Further, smart device configuration data, configuration logs, and smart device diagnostic data created and stored by different applications are decentralized and cannot be cross-referenced because this data may be stored in diverse formats, in different databases and, in some cases, in proprietary formats. Consequently, tasks that could be common to each device within a system must be duplicated in separate applications.

A management system which implements such separately developed applications typically has no way to view information pertaining to all the smart devices in a plant or a process simultaneously because the applications for each device must be run separately. Furthermore, it is difficult for users to write applications that provide a comprehensive view of data pertaining to multiple, different devices in a process because users typically do not have a great familiarity with DDS or with the DDL and DD's associated with each of the devices within a process. Even if a user does have such familiarity, such applications are time-consuming and expensive to develop and must be updated each time a new smart device is added to the system.

The need for an integrated management system is particularly great in processes or systems which must be certified by government agencies such as the EPA and the FDA which regulate, for example, certain chemical and pharmaceutical processes to ensure that the products manufactured by those processes meet stringent standards, that emissions remain below a predetermined level and that safety procedures are followed. The easiest way for a plant implementing a regulated process to maintain its certification is to maintain records sufficiently thorough to prove to government auditors that the values of critical process parameters have remained at specified levels or within specified ranges that comply with the regulatory requirements of interested governmental agencies and safety procedures. An integrated management system coupled to the smart devices of a process can be used to automatically record these values in a database. Thereafter, the data stored in the database of the integrated management system can be used to prove that these critical values remained within respective required ranges.

Integrated management systems also can be used to reconfigure smart devices more regularly to maintain the certifiability of the process in which the devices are used. Currently, most management systems which support more than one smart field device include particularized software written for each supported smart device to allow communication with that smart device. Adding a new smart device to a process therefore requires the management system for that process to be reprogrammed. Once again, this programming is time-consuming and can be expensive because it must be performed by a person knowledgeable not only in the management system software, but also in the smart device protocol and the new smart device.

Although hand held communicators exist which interface with different smart devices following a particular protocol, these devices only read and write data from and to the device and are not capable of processing that data in any significant manner.

Still further, applications typically allow a user to view a current configuration of a device, block, or parameter within a process, but those applications do not allow the user to view past configurations or to display multiple configurations simultaneously to compare such configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to a management system which provides a consistent and generalized communication connection between an application and multiple devices connected to the system so that no new programming is necessary to communicate with, and display information pertaining to, a newly added smart device. In particular, a hierarchy is created to identify and categorize all of the types of information and data represented by one or more DDL's associated with one or more smart devices connected within a system and the interrelationships between those categories of information and data. An interface based on this hierarchy is then used to call, access information from, and communicate with a DDS associated with the one or more categorized DD's, smart devices connected within a system, and/or database associated with the system, to provide a consistent interface with such DDS, devices, and database, irrespective of the type of device connected to the system. Because of the consistent use of DDL's to access information pertaining to multiple devices, an application need not be reprogrammed to communicate with, read data from, reconfigure, or display data pertaining to a new device added to the system.

Preferably, this hierarchy includes a set of objects of different types which are defined within an object-oriented protocol, such as the now well-known Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) protocol. Each object includes properties and methods for operating on the data and is able to send messages to other objects within the hierarchy and to devices and hosts using the hierarchy to implement particular functions related to retrieving information from a smart device, database, or DD associated with the object. Preferably, the data within these objects represents subsets of the data available from and used by DDL's along with other information not provided by the DDL but useful to a host system or an application such as particular values, times that changes were made, identification of the users who implemented changes and the reasons for changes, etc.

A management system interface or communication network based on this hierarchy enables the management system to include all the functionality enabled by any smart device which has a DD. Thus, for example, a management system using this communication network allows the user the freedom to view multiple devices in a simultaneous or sequential manner, to perform common control and configuration functions without switching applications or interfaces, to run non-device-specific applications (such as browsers, which locate devices on the network, alarm lists, setup applications, and device status monitoring applications), and to run device-specific applications (such as device configuration, device calibration, and status-checking applications).

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/599,371, entitled "System and Method for Managing a Transaction Database of Records of Changes to Field Device Configurations," filed Feb. 6, 1996.